This week the Astros have made some promotions in the minor league system promoting Kenedy Corona, Joey Loperfido and Kobe Kato.
Corona was acquired in the deal that sent Jake Marisnick to the Mets. He is listed at 5’11” and 184 lbs, but is built really well and packs a punch in his swing. In 2022, the right-hander had a .857 OPS with 24 2B, 19 HR, 28 SB in 107 games between Single-A and High-A. He possesses above average speed and some sneaky pop. This year he started hot with two homers in Asheville before the promotion and homered in his first two games in Double-A.
Loperfido, a highly touted prospect in high school and college, was promoted to Double-A Corpus Christi. After a strong 2022 season, in which he hit .316 with a .900 OPS and 12 HR, 32 SB, Loperfido got off to a nice start this year posting a .826 OPS and 5 XBHs in 8 games. This challenge in Double-A will be big for him.
Kato, 24, has been promoted to Asheville after a strong start in Fayetteville. He missed all of the 2022 season but started hot hitting 8-for-12 with 7 BB and no strikeouts in 6 games. Kato has played the infield and outfield. With the versatility and advanced strike zone approach, he could definitely keep moving up the chain.
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